Leo paced back and forth in the apartment, fists clenched, eyes glowing with Alpha rage. His pheromones pulsed thickly in the air.
"He took him. I can feel it in my bones. Damin has Aiden."
Lucas sat calmly on the couch, phone in hand as he typed rapidly.
"Relax, Leo. I'm tracking his last signal. Damin's men aren't careful — one of them used a burner phone near the industrial area. That's where they're hiding him."
Leo slammed his fist against the wall, the sound echoing.
"If he hurts Aiden—"
Lucas cut in sharply.
"Then you'll rip him apart. I know. But don't lose yourself before we even get there. Aiden needs you steady, not reckless."
Leo exhaled through gritted teeth, fighting to control the fire burning inside. His chest ached as though he could hear Aiden's soft voice calling for him.
Hold on, my Omega. I'm coming.
Inside Damin's apartment…
Damin circled Aiden with predatory eyes.
"Still standing tall? Impressive. But how long can you keep that up?"
He set a tray on the table — strange drinks, bitter herbs, and humiliating outfits.
"Drink this. It will make you… more obedient."
Aiden shook his head firmly.
"No. I won't drink anything from you."
Damin's smile vanished. He gripped Aiden's chin, forcing him to meet his cold eyes.
"You'll regret that."
Suddenly, Aiden's stomach twisted violently. He pulled away, clutching his abdomen as his body trembled, sweat breaking across his skin.
"What's this?" Damin muttered, taken aback. "Don't tell me—"
Aiden stumbled toward the bathroom, barely managing to shut the door before collapsing by the sink. Retching sounds filled the small space. His body shook with weakness.
When he finally lifted his pale face, his gaze landed on a small box on the shelf. With shaking hands, he pulled it down and opened it. Inside was a test stick.
"No…" he whispered, breath hitching.
Hands trembling, he used the strip. The seconds dragged like hours, his heart pounding louder than Damin's voice echoing in his memory.
Then the result appeared.
Two clear lines. Positive.
Aiden's eyes widened as tears spilled down his face. He pressed a hand over his mouth, choking back sobs.
No… Leo… what do I do?
The Burden He Hides
Aiden sat on the cold bathroom floor, clutching the stick. Two lines. Undeniable. His chest tightened.
It was only that night with Leo… but what if… what if Damin—?
Tears streamed as he hugged himself, shaking silently. He couldn't let Damin know. If he discovered the truth, Aiden would never escape.
From outside came Damin's impatient voice.
"What's taking so long in there, Omega?"
Aiden shoved the test into his pocket, splashed cold water on his face, and forced himself to breathe. Opening the door, he lowered his gaze.
"Just dizzy," he murmured.
Damin's smirk returned as his fingers traced the lace of the maid outfit.
"Then I'll take care of you. Whether you like it or not, you'll soon see you belong to me."
Aiden clenched his fists behind his back, praying desperately.
Leo… hurry.
Outside the factory…
Lucas pointed to the map glowing on his phone.
"This is it. He's inside."
Leo's pheromones leaked dangerously, filling the night with raw dominance. Lucas coughed, waving his hand.
"Leo, calm down. If you release too much, they'll know we're here."
Leo's voice trembled with fury.
"He's mine, Lucas. That bastard touched him. If he hurts Aiden again, I'll—"
"Focus!" Lucas snapped, gripping his shoulder. "We'll get him back. But you have to hold it together until we reach him."
Leo inhaled sharply, forcing his pheromones under control. But his instincts screamed for blood.
The Rescue
Inside, Aiden's knees wobbled in the ridiculous maid dress. His dizziness lingered, but he kept his head high. In his pocket, the test burned like a hidden flame.
Then — a scent. Warm, safe, familiar.
Leo.
Aiden's breath caught, his heart leaping.
"Leo…" he whispered.
The door exploded open with a thunderous crack.
Leo stood there, eyes blazing with Alpha fury — but when they landed on Aiden, everything softened. Relief washed over his face.
"Aiden…"
Tears spilled down Aiden's cheeks. "Leo… you came."
In two strides, Leo tore the ropes from Aiden's wrists and crushed him into his arms. He buried his face in Aiden's hair, inhaling desperately as if breathing him in was survival itself.
"I told you," Leo whispered, voice breaking. "No one could keep you from me. You're mine. Always."
Aiden clung to his shirt, sobbing. "I was so scared… I thought—"
"Shh." Leo kissed his temple. "It's over. I've got you. No one will ever touch you again."
Aiden tilted his face up, eyes shimmering with unspoken words.
"Leo… I—"
But Leo kissed him before he could finish. Soft yet desperate, sealing a promise.
The factory, the danger, even Damin's shadow all disappeared. For that moment, there was only them.